ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
PIB Headquarters
CHILDREN’S BIRTH CERTIFICATE ENABLES FOR EASY AND QUICK AADHAAR ENROLLMENT
Shri M.V.S. Rami Reddy, Deputy Director General, UIDAI, Regional office-Hyderabad informed that UIDAI regional office, Hyderabad with a view to achieve universal Aadhaar enrolment appeals to the residents of Andhra Pradesh that the residents may obtain birth certificate for their children immediately on their birth so that it will facilitate easy and quick enrolment of children for Aadhaar.
In a recently conducted pilot enrollment of children in the age group of 0-5 years by the UIDAI regional office it was found that there are children who are yet to possess birth certificate. Hence it is to suggest that parents of all such children jay obtain birth certificate for easy and quick enrolment for Aadhaar. Shortly, UIDAI Regional Office is planning to conduct a special drive for enrolling children of 0-5 years age without Aadhaar through Anganwadi’s, Shri Reddy said.
Ministry of Finance
Anti-black money measures brought undisclosed income of about Rs 1.3 Lakh Crore to tax
Rs 6,900 Crore worth Benami assets and Rs 1600 Crore worth foreign assets attached
18% growth in direct tax collection in Fy 2017-18
Tax base increased by 1.06 Crore people filing ITR for 1st time mainly on account of demonetization
The anti-black money measures taken by the Government during the last four and half years in the form of Black Money Law, the Fugitive Criminal Offenders Act, and Demonetisation, have brought undisclosed income of about Rs 1,30,000 crore to tax. These measures have also led to seizure and attachment of assets worth approximately Rs 50,000 crore, and compelled holders of large cash currency to disclose their source of earnings.
While presenting the Interim Budget 2019-20 in Parliament today the Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs, Railways & Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal said, “Our Government is committed to eliminating the ills of black money from our country.”
During this period, Benami assets worth Rs 6,900 crore and foreign assets worth Rs 1,600 crore have been attached. As many as 3,38,000 shell companies have been detected and de-registered, and their directors disqualified.
The Minister said that there is 18% growth in direct tax collection in 2017-18 and increase in tax base by as many as 1.06 crore people filing income tax returns for the first time in FY 2017-18 is mainly on account of demonetization.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves USOF scheme for provision of mobile services in Meghalaya under CTDP for North Eastern Region
The Union Cabinet chaired by chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved Implementation of a Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan  for the North Eastern Region in Meghalaya at a total estimated project cost of Rs. 3911 crore to be funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund  and approval of the enhanced cost of CTDP Project for NER for an amount of Rs. 8120.81 crore .
Salient Features:
The Scheme entails:
- Provision of 2G+4G mobile coverage in identified uncovered areas of the State of Meghalaya; and
- Provision of 2G+4G seamless mobile coverage along the National Highways in Meghalaya.
Benefits:
- Strengthening of telecom network will result in increase the penetration of mobile connectivity in Meghalaya resulting in affordable and equitable access of communication, information and governance to people.
- Providing access to public mobile network to hitherto unreached people of Meghalaya will empower citizens with benefits of ICTs for furthering socio-economic developments.
- The innovative skill of uncovered areas will increase through broadband and internet access.
President's Secretariat
President of India inaugurates International Engineering and Technology Fair 2023
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the International Engineering and Technology Fair  2023 in New Delhi today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that this year, the event is not only a celebration of India’s growth story in the engineering and manufacturing sector, but also a testimony to the nation’s collaboration with the best in the world in advanced technologies.
The President said that India has come a long way in the 48 years since the first IETF, and the engineering industry has achieved new heights during this period. Today, it is a robust, multi-level, diversified segment of India’s industry, playing a critical role in driving growth, creating jobs, and boosting exports. The policies adopted in the recent past have given fillip to an unprecedented inclusive growth. Rapid digitisation of the economy and its acceptance at the social level has unleashed a new potential which has created new pathways for high growth.
The President said that India is on a mission to expand its global engagement taking advantage of its excellent manufacturing experience, high-quality talent and cutting-edge advanced technology attainments. There are many critical areas where international collaboration in engineering and technology would bring about changes to make the world a prosperous and safer place for the posterity.
The President said that India has significant potential to engage with the international markets. Our commitment to clean energy has been driving our green growth. India has been marching ahead steadfastly to attain the net zero emission target in 2070.
Noting that IETF-2023 covers 11 areas of emerging technologies which would have profound impact on our economy and society, the President said that there is no doubt that technology is going to change the way we live. She said that we should strive to use technology for social change. Any technology that confines itself to a section of people would gradually wither away. On the other hand, the technologies that change the lives of ordinary people in a positive manner get traction. The wide acceptance of the world’s biggest digitisation drive in India is a prime example of the society readily embracing technologies that bring about positive changes in people’s lives.
The President was happy to note that there is a determined attempt in IETF-2023 to showcase feats of engineering and technologies that promote harmony between nature and science. She said that human ingenuity should be put to its best use when it is oriented to nourish the nature. She said that if the knowledge of science is combined with the pursuit of spirituality, it can do miracles.
Please click here to see the President’s Speech
Ministry of Defence
IAF MIG-21 CRASH NEAR BARMER
A twin seater Mig-21 trainer aircraft of the IAF was airborne for a training sortie from Utarlai air base in Rajasthan this evening. Around 9:10 pm, the aircraft met with an accident near Barmer. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries.
IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families.
A court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Ministry of Defence
A US delegation interacts with iDEX team at IIT Delhi; iDEX winners & defence innovation start-ups showcase cutting-edge dual-use technologies
iDEX has revolutionised defence innovation ecosystem in India; Procurement of advanced technologies be given due consideration under INDUS-X, says Under Secretary , US Department of Defence
The US delegation, led by Under Secretary , Department of Defence Ms Heidi Shyu, met a team of Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation  under Ministry of Defence at IIT Delhi on September 18, 2023. Joint Secretary  & Additional CEO of DIO Shri Anurag Bajpai presented an overview on iDEX to the US delegation, explaining how the initiative is revolutionising the defence innovation ecosystem in India. He highlighted how iDEX is fostering innovation, in critical domains like Artificial Intelligence , unmanned solutions, domain awareness, communications, space, cybersecurity etc. He brought out how technologies developed by iDEX winners are acting as force multipliers for the Services and the innovators are beginning to make their mark globally with their dual-use solutions.
The Joint Secretary brought out that the India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem  initiative will further deepen the strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the two sides. He appreciated the momentum in INDUS-X activities and informed that iDEX and Defence Innovation Unit  teams have finalised two challenges to kick start joint challenges, to be launched soon.
A showcase of select iDEX winners and defence innovation start-ups with cutting-edge dual-use technologies was organised. Deep-tech innovations including on information security & cyber security, AI/Machine Learning-based imaging, maritime technologies, wireless communication, space technologies and advanced sensors were showcased.
Ms Heidi Shyu was highly appreciative of the start-up showcase, and the way the iDEX scheme and stakeholders have revolutionised the defence innovation ecosystem in India. She noted the rapid developments under the collaboration agenda of INDUS-X and suggested that procurement of advanced technologies be given due consideration under INDUS-X.
About INDUS-X
iDEX, in partnership with US Department of Defence, conducted the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem  event in Washington DC on June 20-21, 2023. The initiative will expand the strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the start-up ecosystems, businesses and academic institutions. The first-ever joint technology showcasing by the Indian and US start-ups generated great interest during the INDUS-X Event. The collaboration agenda under the Defence Innovation Bridge includes launch of Joint Challenges, Innovation Partnership Program, Academia partnership, Joint Innovation Fund, establishing of Testing & Certification facilities in India etc. The INDUS-X event found mention in the Joint Statement of the two leaders during the recent bilateral meetings.
PIB Headquarters
Simplifying and enriching Science Education: Mini Science Centres set up in Govt.Schools by Chennai Airport
Taking its inimitable CSR stance forward, Chennai Airport in collaboration with Samabhavana  has set up Mini science centres  in five selected government Schools in the vicinity of Chennai Airport under Airports Authority of India  Corporate Social Responsibility  Scheme. The Mini science centres equipped in schools were inaugurated by Sh. S. Sreekumar, Airport Director, Chennai Airport on 23.07.2019 & 24.07.2019. The project executed worth Rs.35.68 Lakhs aims at improving the quality of education  by imparting training to teachers and then for continuous evaluation, will largely benefit underprivileged school children.
Municipal Higher Secondary School, Tambaram; Government Girls Higher Secondary School,Chromepet; Government Municipal Higher Secondary School ,Hasthinapuram; Government High School ,Lakshmipuram, Chromepet and Government high School, Cowl Bazar are the schools under the ambit of this CSR project.
Mini science centre’s work best at schools by simplifying fundamental science concepts for students with demonstrative methods while also imparting quality and inquisitiveness in them and their curriculum. STEM Learning was conceptualised with an aim to empower underprivileged children in rural India with the basic concepts of the STEM, according to the press release issued by the AAI Chennai Airport.
Ministry of Finance
India is the largest borrower from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs
With the total project portfolios of US$4.4 Billion, India has been the largest borrower of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank  lending since the time the Bank started its operations.
Unlike most other multilateral development banks set up by advanced economies, AIIB is the first major multilateral development bank where principal contributors are the borrowing members themselves. The third Annual Meeting of the bank focuses on infrastructure, with the theme of innovation and collaboration, said Shri Garg.
The Annual Meeting will see participation from 86 members, and member countries will deliberate upon the strategies to mobilize financing for infrastructure. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address on Tuesday.
Expressing deep gratitude to Government of India and the State of Maharashtra for hosting the Annual Meeting, Sir Danny Alexander, Vice-President & Corporate Secretary, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, lauded India’s contribution as an active member in structuring and supporting the bank.
Enumerating the priorities and lending norms, Sir Alexander said, ‘Lean, clean and green is the way we work. We invest in sustainability and are guided by those priorities. Our bank is apolitical and all projects have to pass our test on sustainability and environment’.
Furthermore, he said that AIIB will consider investing in projects outside Asia as long as they serve to benefit the Asian regions too. So far, AIIB has only invested in one solar power project in Egypt, Sir Alexander said.
While 75% of the capital is from Asia, several non-Asian regions like Europe, North America, some East African and Latin American countries have also joined the bank as members.
The third Annual Meeting of AIIB is being organized by Government of India, in collaboration with Government of Maharashtra at Mumbai during 25-26 June 2018.
To know more about Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank third Annual Meeting log on to:
http://aiib-am2018.gov.in/
https://www.aiib.org/
Hashtag: #AIIB2018
Twitter: @India_AIIBAM3 @AIIB_Official @FinMinIndia @PIBMumbai & @PIB_India
In the past, AIIB annual meetings were held at Beijing, China in 2016 and Jeju, Republic of Korea in 2017.
About AIIB
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank  is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia and beyond. Headquartered in Beijing, we commenced operations in January 2016 and have now grown to 86 approved members from around the world. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and other productive sectors today, we will better connect people, services and markets that over time will impact the lives of billions and build a better future.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Nutritional Status of Senior Citizens
As per the census 2011, the number of senior citizens was 8.4% of the total population. The ‘Report of the Technical Group on population projections- July 2020’ by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has projected increase in the population of senior citizens from 13.75 crore  in 2021 to 22.74 crore  in 2036.
The “Longitudinal Ageing Study in India ” Wave-1  report of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has assessed the nutrition status of senior citizens in the country.
The Report says that in India, more than a quarter of elderly age 60 and above are underweight  and a fifth of elderly are overweight/obese , indicating a dual burden of undernutrition and overnutrition among elderly in India.
To create awareness among elderly population and their family members the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has developed Information, Education and Communication  materials including nutritional aspects in elder age group {under National Programme for the Health Care for the Elderly } and shared with States/UTs.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is already implementing a scheme of Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens under which grant in aid is provided to implementing agencies like NGOs, Voluntary Organisations for running and maintenance of senior citizen homes, continuous care homes. Nutrition, shelter, health care, cloth, entertainment etc. are provided to indigent senior citizens living in such homes, for healthy ageing.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Sushri Pratima Bhoumik a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Flood Affected Areas
The assessment of flood prone area of the country has been carried out by different expert committees. The Rashtriya Barh Ayog in the year 1980 estimated the total area liable to floods in the country as 40 Million Hectare . The extent of maximum area affected by floods in any year during 1953-2010 as per the Working Group Report  on Flood Management and Region Specific Issues for XII Plan is 49.815 mha, the State-wise break up of which is given at Annexure.
Flood management including erosion control falls within the purview of the States. Flood management and anti-erosion schemes are formulated and implemented by concerned State Governments as per their priority. The Union Government supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical guidance and also promotional financial assistance for management of floods in critical areas. No project of flood management in the State of Andhra Pradesh has been included for central funding during XII Plan and subsequent period under Flood Management and Border Areas Programme  of Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
The ongoing Flood Management and Border Areas Programme  of Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has been extended up to September, 2022.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti
, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
ONE YEAR OF MODI 2.0 - Towards a Self-Reliant India
An exhausive summary of various decisions taken by the Modi 2.0 Government in the last one year, adecisive period in the Indian history and the dawn of a New India, a bright India.
Click here to see One Year of Modi 2.0 Booklet in english
Ministry of Science & Technology
Sree Chitra develops 2 types of swabs and viral transport medium for COVID-19 testing
Technologists at the Sree Chitra Triunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology , an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India, have developed two types of nasal and oral swabs and viral transport medium for COVID-19 testing.
Chitra EmBed flocked nylon swabs , and Chitra EnMesh, polymeric foam-tipped, lint-free swabs with flexible plastic handles developed by technologists Dr. Lynda V Thomas, Dr. Shyni Velayudhan and Dr. Maya Nandakumar from SCTIMST have both proven efficiency in the adequacy of specimen collection and rapid elution  of specimen into the liquid viral medium. They also have good recovery of viral RNA collected using these swabs and medium. The swabs will be available as sterile, ready-to-use devices.
The swabs are designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment and help in improved specimen collection with minimum discomfort to patients. Their safe and convenient breakpoint ensures minimal contact of the health worker with the sample during packing.
The second innovation, Chitra Viral Transport Medium, is specifically designed to retain the virus in its active form during its transportation from the collection point to the laboratory. Currently, kits containing 50  viral transport medium with 50 swabs cost is upwards of Rs 12000/.
Technologies for both swabs and viral transport medium have been transferred to two industries for immediate manufacture and sales-- Mallelil Industries, Origin diagnostics, and Levram Life sciences.
Currently, Nasal and throat specimens collected with specially designed swabs are used for the detection of SARS-COV2 by viral gene amplification method, which is necessary for the confirmation of COVID 19. Proper and adequate specimen collection and its transport in a suitable liquid medium are critical for ensuring good quality and quantity of viral RNA from the sample for testing, as these influence the accuracy of the test. Centre for disease control and prevention ,the USA, recommends the use of synthetic fibre swabs with plastic shafts, preferably flocked swabs when available.
These two swabs developed with locally available material can reduce import dependency of the materials currently used and can meet the huge demand for them at much lower costs.
Fig: Oral and Nasal swabs developed by SCTIMST
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Distribution of Appointment Letters in Rozgar Mela
Rozgar Mela events are being held across the country and the new appointees are inducted into various Central Ministries/ Departments/ Central Public Sector Undertakings / Autonomous Bodies including Health & Education Institutes, Public Sector Banks etc. The details of number of appointments provided are maintained by the respective Ministries/ Departments/ Organisations etc.
Recruitment against vacant posts is a continuous process. Vacancies in various Central Government Ministries/ Departments and their Attached and Subordinate offices are caused due to retirement, resignation, death, and promotion etc. of the employee. As the recruitments are made either directly by concerned authority or through the Recruitment agencies such as Union Public Service Commission, Railway Recruitment Board and Staff Selection Commission, IBPS etc., the phase-wise details of vacancies/recruitments are maintained by them.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India reports highest ever single day recoveries of 57,584
Recovery Rate races beyond 72%
Total recoveries soon to cross 2 million
India has been marching firmly on the road to enhanced recoveries every day. Today, the country registered the highest single day recoveries with as many as 57,584 COVID-19 patients getting cured and discharged in the last 24 hours.
This achievement has further spurred India's Recovery Rate to cross the 72% milestone. This is the result of successful and coordinated implementation of an effective containment strategy, aggressive and comprehensive testing coupled with standardized clinical management of the critical patients. India has followed a Standard of Care protocol for the differentiated categorisation of COVID-19 patients- mild, moderate and severe as clearly formulated in the Clinical Management Protocol of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare . The effective clinical management strategies have shown to yield positive results.
With more patients recovering and being discharged from hospitals and home isolation , India's COVID-19 recoveries have reached nearly 2 million . This has ensured that the difference between the recovered and active cases continues to expand. It is 12,42,942 today.
The actual case load of the country, viz. the Active Cases  has reduced and currently comprises only 25.57% of the total positive cases. Early identification of cases has helped to ensure timely and prompt isolation of the mild and moderate cases and hospitalisation of the severe and critical cases thereby leading to timely and effective management of cases. The Case Fatality Rate has further slumped today touching 1.92%.
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 .
List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf